How to Pronounce "lock up and throw away the key"
expression
LAHK uhp and THROW uh-WAY thuh KEE
LOK up and thruh-OH uh-WAY thuh KEE
Definition
To imprison someone permanently or for a very long time, with no hope of release. Often used figuratively to express a desire for strong punishment.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫɑk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈθɹoʊ/ /əˈweɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈki
British English
lˈɒk/ /ˈʌp/ /ˈænd/ /θɹˈəʊ/ /ɐwˈeɪ/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈiː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LAHK uhp and THROW uh-WAY thuh KEE
UK
LOK up and thruh-OH uh-WAY thuh KEE
Listen in Context
Some people think dangerous criminals should be locked up and the key thrown away.
The judge wanted to lock him up and throw away the key after the third offense.
He believes that hackers should be locked up and the key thrown away.
Honestly, after what he did, I'd lock him up and throw away the key.